Lesson 12 Set Apart 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

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3 Lesson 12 Set Apart 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 Introduction Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted; Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known, be heard; Not I, but Christ, in every look and action, Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word. O to be saved from myself, dear Lord, O to be lost in Thee, O that I might be no more I, but Christ, that lives in me. Hymn: Not I, But Christ For the last two chapters, Paul has been pointing his finger at his readers, challenging them to live in purity and to do all they can to be prepared for the day of Jesus' return. Now in his final words of I Thessalonians, he points them to the only One who can help them to live set apart the Faithful God. As we conclude our study of the book of I Thessalonians today, take time right now to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to apply all the insights that you have gleaned from this epistle so you might live for Christ. Pray too that Christ will be honored, loved and exalted in you in such a way that others will come to know Him and none will be left behind! Memory Scripture In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Commentary In I Thessalonians 5:23, Paul prays three specific things for the Thessalonians as part of his farewell to them. He prays that they will be sanctified wholly, preserved completely and received blamelessly. Sanctify simply means to be set apart for God's exclusive use. This does not mean that we are to live in a monastery and remove ourselves from society. Nor does it mean that we have to dress in plain clothes or stifle our natural personalities. Sanctification is all about the work God is doing internally, cleansing us from the sin that contaminates us, and freeing us to be who He has made us to be. If we willingly choose to live the set apart life, God does all the work. We'll conclude our study the same way the apostle Paul did: May God Himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together spirit, soul, and body and keep you fit for the coming of the Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He'll do it! (I Thessalonians 5:24 The Message) Homework Questions: 1. Although we are not to place man on a pedestal, God honors those who are over His people. Paul makes sure that the Thessalonian believers are well-balanced in how to honor their spiritual leaders in a way that pleases God. According to verses 12 and 13, what are we to do for those who are over us in the Lord? 2. In verse 14, Paul asks the believers to help those who are in need. He specifically addresses those who are unruly, feebleminded, and weak. What are we, as daughters of God, to do for each of these according to this verse? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

4 3. Paul continues a list of things for us to do in verses 15 through 22. Write down each one that applies to you as part of a personal to do list. 4. Read verses 23 through 28. As Paul concludes the chapter, he emphasizes the importance of prayer and gives last minute instructions. What are the instructions given in verses 25-28? 5. Paul's closing prayer for these dear believers is that the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. The moment you said yes to Jesus, you were sanctified. Sanctify simply means to be set apart for God's exclusive use. Let's learn more about being sanctified from the following verses. a. Hebrews 10:10 And in accordance with this will of God, we have been made holy (consecrated and sanctified) through the offering made once for all of the body of Jesus Christ (the Anointed One). b. John 17:17 Sanctify them (purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy) by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. c. 2 Corinthians 3:18 And all of us, as with unveiled face, because we continued to behold in the Word of God as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord Who is the Spirit. d. 1 John 3:2-3 2 Beloved, we are even here and now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be hereafter, but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall (as God's children) resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He really is. 3 And everyone who has this hope resting on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). Tuesday Night's Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight's teaching that spoke to your heart and why.

5 Lesson 13 God Never Wastes Suffering 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Introduction I'm walking safe in a path unknown, Leaving it all with Jesus; I find the path with His blessings strown, I'm leaving it all with Jesus. Leaving it all with Jesus, Leaving it all with Jesus; My peace today, as on yesterday, Is leaving it all with Jesus. Hymn: Leaving it all with Jesus A year after his first letter, Paul wrote a second letter to his beloved Thessalonian believers. He wanted to clear up some confusion that had occurred after he left. He began the letter by addressing their most pressing concern the persecution they were suffering. He assured them that trials were part of God's plan and that God never wastes suffering. Let's begin with a prayer. Ask the Lord to help you always remember that you are His chosen one and you can leave all your cares with Him! Memory Scripture Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Commentary In his first letter to the church, Paul commended them for their work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope. But here, in his second letter, he only commends them for their faith and love because they had lost their hope! Due to persecution and a forged letter from Paul saying the tribulation had begun, they were confused and quit living for Jesus' return. As God's chosen ones, we must live with eternity in view. No matter what we face in life, God has a plan and one day He is going to return for His people. It is this very hope that makes our life meaningful. Homework Questions 1. Read verses 1 through 3. Paul opens up his second letter to the powerful and influential church at Thessalonica by clearly stating who was sending the letter, who the letter was for, and his prayer for them. What do you read in verse 3 that Paul wanted for every believer? 2. By the time the Thessalonians received this second letter, their persecution had worsened, their suffering had increased, and their trials had become much more challenging. There was confusion regarding the Day of the Lord. Considering all of this, what exact words of needed encouragement does Paul write to them in verses 4 and 5? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

6 3. Can you imagine their sigh of relief when the Thessalonian church learned how the power of God and His word would sustain them? What does God promise in verses 6 and 7 to those who are persecuted, unjustly treated, rejected, and excluded because they are living their lives for Jesus? 4. Paul goes on in verses 8 and 9 to explain the righteous judgment of God. List the judgments found in these verses. 5. Read verses 10 through 12. In Paul's prayer for his beloved Thessalonian believers, he points out the basic plan of God for them. Let's further discover from the verses below what God's Word says about His will and plan for His chosen woman? a. Luke 6: But love your enemies and be kind and do good (doing favors so that someone derives benefit from them) and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind and charitable and good to the ungrateful and the selfish and wicked. 36 So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is all these. 37 Judge not, neither pronouncing judgment nor subjecting to censure, and you will not be judged; do not condemn and pronounce guilty, and you will not be condemned and pronounced guilty; acquit and forgive and release (give up resentment, let it drop), and you will be acquitted and forgiven and released. 38 Give, and gifts will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into (the pouch formed by) the bosom (of your robe and used as a bag). For with the measure you deal out, with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others, it will be measured back to you. b. Philippians 2: Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed my suggestions, so now, not only with the enthusiasm you would show in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). 13 Not in your own strength for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you (energizing and creating in you the power and desire), both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. 14 Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining against God and questioning and doubting among yourselves, 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guiltless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation (spiritually perverted and perverse), among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the dark world, 16 Holding out to it and offering to all men the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose. c. Jeremiah 29: For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. 12 Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. 13 Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me as a vital necessity and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Tuesday Night s Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight s teaching that spoke to your heart and why.

7 Lesson 14 Nothing But the Truth 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Introduction Sweetly echo the Gospel call, wonderful words of life; Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life; Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life. Hymn: Wonderful Words of Life Today we have a huge problem with counterfeiting. It's not unusual to hand a clerk a $20 bill and then see it marked with a yellow pen to check it for authenticity. Counterfeiting is nothing new to Satan. He has always attempted to fool God's people into believing lies over the truth. Stop and pray before you begin this lesson. Pray that you will discern anything that is a lie and that you will walk in wisdom in these last days. Pray that you will believe nothing but the absolute truth of God's word His wonderful words of life! Memory Scripture Let no man deceive you by any means 2 Thessalonians 2:3a Commentary God has from the very beginning chosen you just as He did the Thessalonian believers. To be chosen by Him means that we are set apart to live for Him. The message of 2 Thessalonians is loud and clear: don't allow anything to take the place of Christ in your heart! Don't allow anything to distract you from Jesus. It's true what the Word says Jesus is coming again. So stand fast, hold on to the truth and do all you can to live for Christ and to be ready for His return. Homework Questions 1. Before Jesus comes again, the church will be raptured, then the anti-christ will be revealed. What does Paul say about the anti-christ in verses 1 through In verse 8, the anti-christ is called Wicked and in the NKJV, he is called the lawless one. According to verses 7 through 9, what will happen to him? 3. Because God is love, every person has the same opportunity to accept or reject the truth of God. Unfortunately, there will be those who choose not to receive Him. According to verses 10 through 12, what will happen to those who refuse to receive the truth? 4. Read verses 13 through 17. Paul ends this chapter with a prayer of thanksgiving for all that God is doing in and through this church. In verse 15, what does he instruct and exhort them to do? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

8 5. Paul continually prayed that the Thessalonians church would experience the sanctification of the Spirit. He knew that without it they would not be able to endure hardship, recognize the lies of the enemy nor be an influence to change their world. From the following verses, what is the evidence of a woman who is sanctified by the Spirit? a. Galatians 5: But the fruit of the Holy Spirit (the work which His presence within accomplishes) is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, 23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law that can bring a charge. b. 1 Corinthians 13:1-6 1 If I can speak in the tongues of men and even of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have sufficient faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing, a useless nobody. 3 Even if I dole out all that I have to the poor in providing food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing. 4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it (it pays no attention to a suffered wrong). 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. c. 1 Corinthians 13: Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening. 8 Love never fails (never fades out or becomes obsolete, or comes to an end). As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away, (it will lose its value and be superseded by truth). 9 For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).10 But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded). 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside. 12 For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection of reality as in a riddle or enigma, but then when perfection comes we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part imperfectly, but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood by God. 13 And so faith, hope, love abide (faith-- conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope-- joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love-- true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us), these three; but the greatest of these is love. Tuesday Night's Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight's teaching that spoke to your heart and why.

9 Lesson 15 A Victorious Finish 2 Thessalonians 3:1-9 Introduction Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we'll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold. When we all get to Heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, We'll sing and shout the victory! Hymn: When We All Get to Heaven Now is not the time to quit working. Now is not the time to grow weary in your Christian walk. The finish line is in sight! That's the wonderful message of encouragement tucked into 2 Thessalonians 3. Jesus is coming for us and now is the time for us not only to believe the truth but to practice the truth and to be about our Father's business. Before you start your homework, pause and pray. Beseech the Lord to help you to press on to the prize that one day awaits you. It's not that long before we'll sing and shout the victory! Memory Scripture But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Commentary Unfortunately, certain believers in Thessalonica decided to stop working due to their being consumed with the coming of the Lord Jesus which caused extra strain on those who continued to labor for a living. It was not a question of ability, but willingness. Paul corrects this misconception not only by setting an example of earning his keep (verse 8), but outright tells the believers not to condone this type of living. It's not that Paul did not want the focus to be on the coming of the Lord, it was that he did not want the believers in Thessalonica to be a poor witness when it came to their attitude toward earning an honest day's pay. The greatest influence a believer can have is that of godly living and sacrifice. May the Lord establish you in His ways and help you to finish well. Homework Questions 1. Paul opens up this chapter asking his beloved Thessalonian believers to pray for him and the team. As you read verses 1 and 2, what are his prayer requests? 2. What does the Lord promise to do for us in verses 3 through 5? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

10 3. Paul lovingly corrects the Thessalonian believers regarding how they were to live until the Lord comes. Some believers became idle by leaving their jobs while others abandoned their responsibilities. Not only that, some even slacked in their performance. What does Paul command them to do in verses 6 through 8? 4. Hopefully you will see in verse 9, how hard Paul worked to maintain a Godly example when it came to earning an honest living and not being a burden to the other believers. What lesson does this teach us as we eagerly await the coming of our Lord Jesus? 5. When stepping back and taking a look at this enduring church in Thessalonica, we see that Paul taught them how to live up to their responsibilities and avoid being idle. He taught them how to live in such a way that they would finish well. From the following verses, what do you learn that will help you to finish well? a. Psalm 1:1-3 1 BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly (following their advice, their plans and purposes), nor stands submissive and inactive in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down to relax and rest where the scornful and the mockers gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. 3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted and tended by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper and come to maturity. b. Philippians 3: I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own yet; but one thing I do, it is my one aspiration: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the supreme and heavenly prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. 15 So let those of us who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also. c. Acts 20: And now, you see, I am going to Jerusalem, bound by the Holy Spirit and obligated and compelled by the convictions of my own spirit, not knowing what will befall me there-- 23 Except that the Holy Spirit clearly and emphatically affirms to me in city after city that imprisonment and suffering await me. 24 But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from, which was entrusted to me by the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God's grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy). Tuesday Night's Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight's teaching that spoke to your heart and why.

11 Lesson 16 Peace Always 2 Thessalonians 3:10-18 Introduction There's peace in my heart today; There's peace in my heart to stay; The world cannot give it or take it away; There's peace in my heart to stay. Hymn- Peace in My Heart to Stay Although today marks the end of our study through the wonderful books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, it only signifies the beginning of living out all that we have learned! Above all else, never forget that as God's chosen ones we must live for eternity. Living in the light of eternity is what gives us peace no matter what we may face. Remember, heaven is not that far away. Take a moment right now to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to be a peace maker as you live for Christ in these last days! Memory Scripture Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Commentary When problems arise in a church, if they are not solved they will only become worse. Just like an infected wound, if it is not treated, it can become life-threatening. Well, the Thessalonian church had problems and, as we have learned, the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians were written to help the believers address these problems. Now, at the close of 2 Thessalonians, Paul brings everything back into focus and puts their eyes once again on Jesus the only source of our peace. We may not always be able to solve all our problems, but no one can take away our peace. Howework Questions 1. Paul continues the vein in which last week's lesson ended. Believers must work to earn their keep. According to verse 10, what is to happen if one does not work? 2. Verse 11 adds another count against these idle believers. What is it? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

12 3. Paul is an expert at not only correcting believers but in motivating them toward mending their ways and continuing on in the faith. How does he do this according to verses 12 through 15? 4. Paul ends this powerful life-changing letter with his own handwriting to assure the believers that this was from him and it was the truth. What does Paul ask the Lord of peace himself to grant the believers in verse 16? 5. We can never overemphasize the importance of God's peace within the life of the believer. As our world and society cause things to become more and more unsure, we as believers, can be sure of one thing God's peace cannot be taken by anyone or anything unless we give it up. What do the verses below teach us about the peace of God? a. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled. b. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For He (Who is the source of their prophesying) is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. As is the practice in all the churches of the saints (God's people), c. Colossians 3: And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts (deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state) to which as members of Christ's one body you were also called to live. And be thankful (appreciative), giving praise to God always. 16 Let the word spoken by Christ the Messiah have its home in your hearts and minds and dwell in you in all its richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom in spiritual things, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with His grace in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, no matter what it is, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in dependence upon His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. Tuesday Night's Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight's teaching that spoke to your heart and why. Maranatha! Come Quickly Lord Jesus!